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Audio Video NewsNew Products
Savant Announces its First DIY Remote
SV Staff  |  Oct 13, 2015
Getting a jump on CEDIA Expo, which opens in Dallas tomorrow, home automation stalwart Savant today introduced its first DIY product, the Savant Remote, a Bluetooth/Wi-Fi-based universal remote control/home automation controller and hub said to control some 380,000 entertainment devices, including Sonos systems, Apple TV, cable boxes, Roku media players, and lights.
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Signals
Amazon's Echo: It Can Hear You Now
Ken C. Pohlmann  |  Oct 13, 2015
You might recall a recent Signals column about a Google patent application that described an anthropomorphic entertainment controller. The microphones/ears and cameras/eyes of the proposed Chucky-like device really creeped me out. Then a reader alerted me to an Amazon product that has similar functionality. It's not a document in the Patent Office; it's a real thing keeping tabs on people in their homes.

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Projection Screen Reviews
Elite Prime Vision DarkStar 9 Projection Screen Review
Michael P. Hamilton  |  Oct 12, 2015

Performance
Setup
Value
PRICE $3,138 as reviewed

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Exquisite color rendering
Solid black level with a tremendous sense of image depth
Glare-free viewing with sensible ambient light level
Minus
Pricey compared with Elite’s traditional screen materials, though in line with or cheaper than some other ALR solutions

THE VERDICT
No misgivings apply to this multi-layer, firm-surfaced material. Every atom of detail in the source reflects back with seemingly free, bonus lumens. If there’s color shift at extreme angles, it’s only measureable, not noticeable.

High light-output capabilities and receding prices in the DLP and LCD projector camps have recently broadened the application possibilities for two-piece projection video. One facet of design garnering prominent attention from screen manufacturers is ambient light rejection (ALR) technology, which allows a projector/screen combo to function as the big-screen TV in a multipurpose room the way a flat-panel TV might—though at a potentially much larger size.

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4K TV ReviewsEditor's EyeAudio Video News
Sneak Peek: Vizio's 120-inch Reference UHDTV
Rob Sabin  |  Oct 12, 2015
As we reported last week, Vizio was in New York City on October 6 to formally introduce its much anticipated Reference Series Ultra HDTVs. Editor-in-chief Rob Sabin and video tech editor Tom Norton got a hands-on session with the big 120-inch RS120. Here's what they found.

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Audio Video News
Cat Ear Headphones: Wackiest Gift Ever?
SV Staff  |  Oct 12, 2015
We saw some unusual gift ideas at the recent Holiday Spectacular press event in New York City but this one took the prize for the wackiest…

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Ask S&V
Glass Behind Speakers: What Type of Acoustic Treatment Should I Use?
Al Griffin  |  Oct 12, 2015
Got a tech question for Sound & Vision? Email us at AskSandV@gmail.com

Q I own Paradigm Monitor 11 speakers and an 80-watt powered subwoofer. The speakers are set up in my living room 6 feet out from a sliding glass door. What type of acoustic treatment product should I put up behind the speakers to improve their sound? Should it be foam or something more solid? —Jon Cotton / via e-mail

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Tech2
Reboot This!
Geoffrey Morrison  |  Oct 10, 2015
With Hollywood now totally converted to making 90% remakes, sequels, and reboots, I think it’s about time someone gave them some new ideas…

…on reboots. Here are some forgotten classics due for modern movie treatment.

I’m roughly 60% serious. Or at least, 60% as serious as I ever get.

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Blu-ray Movie Reviews
Insurgent
David Vaughn  |  Oct 09, 2015
Picture
Sound
Extras
Picking up five days after the thrilling conclusion of Divergent, we find Tris and her companions in exile with the Amity group while they decide what their next move will be. Riddled with guilt over the death of her parents, Tris does her best to look strong, but she’s carrying around some serious emotional baggage. When the authorities finally catch up to her in the second act, the back story of the isolated community starts to make more sense, and as shocking as it sounds, Tris is the gateway to the past as well as their hope for the future, despite the Erudite’s leader doing her best to silence the rebellion.
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New Products
October 2015 New Gear
SV Staff  |  Oct 09, 2015
New gear: Limited-edition Queen turntable, Klipsch Atmos-enabled reference speakers, compact surge protector,and more.
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Audio Video News
Roku Gets HBO Now
SV Staff  |  Oct 09, 2015
Roku announced that HBO’s Internet-only streaming service HBO Now is now available on Roku TVs and players, including the new Roku 4.
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